Group’s decision to back Ruto is within their democratic rights

Posted Wednesday, February 16 2011 at 18:19

I am an ardent reader of Prof Makau Mutua’s work, but last Sunday’s article about the Kalenjin was uncalled for and unwarranted, to say the least. (Read: Kalenjin Nation should shun siege mentality)

It is absolutely saddening to see a person of his calibre, with his vast knowledge on law and exposure abroad, write such comments about a community.

I want to inform the professor that the Kalenjins have not been kidnapped by any individual and that they make decisions individually, based on their interests and needs. Thus, they do not need his unsolicited advice.

I also challenge him to come to Kenya so that he can not only contribute to the development of this nation, but also know what is happening on the ground instead of relying on heresy when writing his articles.

Mr William Ruto has not cast any spell on the Kalenjins. He is a brilliant, charismatic and hard-working politician and these qualities have endeared him to the community and Kenyans at large.

Mr Ruto does not only command a large following in the “Kalenjin Nation” but also in other parts of Kenya, including Nyanza, Western, Coast and Eastern provinces.

The law professor seems to say that belonging to an ethnic community is an offence. But a tribe is only a problem when people like him use ethnicity to portray others in bad light.

ADAMS LANGAT, Nairobi

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Separatist

It is very disturbing for Prof Mutua to describe the stand taken by the Kalenjin community as a “separatist mentality”.

Just like the Luo community has Raila Odinga as their political god and the Kamba have Kalonzo Musyoka, it serves no offence for the Kalenjin to embrace Mr William Ruto as their head.

In addition, calling Dr Sally Kosgei’s shift of allegiance a tribal move as a way of defending the “Kalenjin Hague Six” is wrong.

He should understand that the tribes are “the children” that form the family called Kenya.

It would be absurd for us to forget where we come from and argue that we are just Kenyans. We must respect and even be proud of our diversity.

Lastly, Prof Mutua should stop tagging the Kalenjin new generation with the 24-year Moi government. The deeds of the Nyayo few do not reflect those of the entire community.

LARRY L. WERO LOITARENG’, Narok